University of Hartford

What you'll study

This degree blends management and business courses with sector-specific subjects for careers in arts, entertainment and media. Core topics typically include arts administration, principles of management, marketing for creative industries, financial management and budgeting, and legal and ethical issues in the arts.

• Industry-specific modules: arts organisation management, theatre and live-event production, venue and facilities management, programming and audience development.
• Media and digital skills: digital content production, social media strategy for cultural organisations, media distribution and rights management.
• Business foundations: accounting and finance for managers, project management, entrepreneurship, strategic planning and marketing research.
• Practical learning: internships or practicum placements with theatres, galleries, venues and media companies; production labs and student-run events provide hands-on experience.
• Capstone and electives: a senior capstone or practicum synthesises coursework into a real-world project; elective options allow study in complementary areas such as arts education, nonprofit management, or performing arts production.

The programme emphasises experiential learning, with opportunities to work with the Hartt School, campus venues and regional cultural organisations to build a professional portfolio and practical skills in event logistics, fundraising, audience engagement and digital outreach.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Admissions review focuses on academic preparation, motivation for a career in the creative industries and any relevant extracurricular experience.

• General academic expectation: completion of secondary education with satisfactory grades across a broad curriculum. Specific subject prerequisites are not typically mandated, though coursework in English and mathematics is advantageous.
• International applicants: must present an approved secondary credential equivalent to the US high school diploma and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised testing or alternative institutional pathways.
• Portfolio or experience: while a performing-arts audition is not required for this management degree, evidence of participation in arts, media or event activities—volunteer work, internships, leadership in student organisations or project samples—strengthens an application.
• Transfer and advanced standing: applicants with prior college coursework may be eligible for transfer credit; evaluations are performed on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the cultural, entertainment and media sectors. The programme prepares students for operational, managerial and entrepreneurial positions where both business acumen and an understanding of creative practice are required.

• Arts administrator or programme manager in theatres, museums and cultural organisations
• Venue or events manager for live performance, festivals and conferences
• Marketing, audience development and box office management roles
• Production manager or stage/technical coordinator for theatre, film and live events
• Fundraising, development and community engagement positions in non-profit arts organisations
• Digital content producer, social media manager or media rights coordinator in entertainment firms
• Entrepreneurship and consultancy roles supporting creative startups and independent producers

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers this programme within a compact campus environment that fosters close faculty mentoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from links with the Hartt School and campus performance venues, which provide access to professional-level productions, technical training and internship placements.

• Practical, career-focused curriculum: coursework is designed to develop immediately applicable skills in management, production and digital media.
• Industry connections: proximity to Hartford's cultural institutions and regional arts organisations helps secure internships and employment networks.
• Hands-on learning opportunities: students can gain experience through campus events, practicum placements and collaboration with performing-arts programs.
• Support services: career services, alumni networks and faculty with industry experience assist with professional development and job placement.